Crew, who had three Ghanaians - Harrison Afful, Jonathan Mensah and Mohammed Abu - in their starting XI, took the lead through Ethan Finley by the 17th minute. The striker rose above his marker to head in a curling cross from Justin Meram.

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Fire's consistent pressure after the break finally paid dividends on 73rd minute. Accam, who was adjudged his side’s best Player of the last season, was set up by John Goossens, with the Ghanaian dribbling his countryman Mensah, who was making his debut for Crew, before firing past goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

Afful and Mensah lasted the full duration of the game for Crew but Abu was replaced with Jose Artur de Lima Junior in the 76th minute.

Also, Patrick Nyarko saw full throttle while Lloyd Sam lasted 76 minutes as DC United drew goalless with Sporting Kansas City. Ghana Premier League best Player and topscorer for the 2016 season, Latif Atta Blessing, could not make his debut for Kansas as he was an unused substitute.